Dengue Fever Cases Skyrocket

PHUKET: Reported cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in the province during the first ten months of 1998 have surpassed the combined total of the past three years. Provincial Health Officer Dr Boonriang Chuchaisangrat told the Gazette today that 755 cases of the mosquito-borne virus were documented by his department through the end of October. The ten-month total is more than double the 370 cases recorded for all of 1995 – the highest annual total over the past seven years. Health officials recorded 97 DHF cases in 1996 and 264 cases in 1997. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health classified the outbreak of DHF as an epidemic in all 76 Thai provinces. In response, local health officers undertook a proactive campaign to eradicate the breeding grounds of the aedes aegypti mosquito, the carrier of the DHF virus. Planters, small containers, and fallen coconut shell husks with standing rain water are used by the mosquito for breeding. Dr Supranee Tharasiriroj of Phuket International Hospital told the Gazette that heavy rains have contributed to the dramatic rise in reported DHF cases. From January 1 through November 15, 1998, Phuket has received 2,784 millimeters of rain, most of which has fallen since May.

UPDATE: Water truck driver presents himself to police after motorcycle death on Kata hill

A water truck driver has presented himself to Karon Police after yesterday’s road accident on Kata Hill that killed a female motorcycle rider.

She died after skidding on oil spilled on the road, falling off the motorbike and being crushed by a water truck in Kata last night. Two others motorists following being also crashed and sustained injuries.

This morning the water truck driver, Apichart Sripan, has himself to Karon Police for questioning over the incident.

Karon Police report that a drug and alcohol test has been conducted returning a zero result. But he has been charged with reckless driving causing injury and death.

In our earlier report, police say witnesses report the truck stopped 100 metres down the road. They say the driver got out of the truck to inspect the wheels. Witnesses tried to take photo of him but he got back into his truck and sped away.

Motorbike driver dies, another person injured after car driver slams into them

A female motorbike driver has died while a male car driver has sustained injuries after a second car driver fell asleep at the wheel in Thalang crashing into them.

The incident happened on Srisoonthorn Road in Thalang at 2pm yesterday (Wednesday).

Police and emergency responders arrived to find a damaged motorbike and two damaged cars.

Police report that the car driver, Dechawat Taechanitisawat, fell asleep at the wheel. He lost control of his vehicle before colliding with the motorbike whose driver was 34 year old Ms Tanakorn Chadaphon and another car driven by 39 year old Pradit Ruecha.

They were both rushed to Thalang Hospital where Ms Tanakorn was later pronounced dead.

Police are continuing their investigation and will charge Dechawat Taechanitisawat.

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